The Picks gives thanks for more than turkey, football

Published: Friday, November 23, 2012 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, November 23, 2012 at 12:15 a.m.

Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I'm sure you all heard the same things I did after dinner Thursday.

Burp.

I need a nap.

Burp.

Is there a game on?

Belch.

I don't think I had dessert.

Dad, put your belt back on.

That's the last time I stuff myself on Thanksgiving.

Hopefully you also heard family members tell you how thankful they are for you and you expressed the same. Thanksgiving isn't about turkey and football. Those are just window dressing to its true meaning.

I am so thankful for so many things, like a job where I get paid to watch sports and a family that thinks I'm worthy and the freedom to be able to vote even in a state where they can't count.

Did someone say something about dressing?

We're all fortunate to be living on this planet, in this country and in this time. And I'm fortunate to have people who are so eager to offer their opinions about what I write. So many of you pointed out that I had a bad week in The Picks last week.

Again, thank you.

It was bound to happen. A miserable 4-6 record. For a week, I was able to feel the kind of pain an Auburn fan is dealing with. But we're not firing Dr. Football when the overall record is 86-64. Just trying to get better.

FLORIDA AT FLORIDA STATE: You remember the good old days back when Florida won three in a row at Doak Campbell from 2004-08? Seems like a long time ago. I think Florida's defense is good enough to keep the Gators in the game, but I have no confidence in the offense against that defense. FSU, 24-13.

NOTRE DAME AT USC: Some people think Notre Dame is lucky. Now the Irish play USC with Matt Barkley out. I hear it's also going to snow in Miami during the BCS game, and the refs are going to be chosen from the Vatican. Notre Dame, 24-7.

SOUTH CAROLINA AT CLEMSON: The Head Ball Coach doesn't like Clemson. I think he'll like the Tigers even less. Clemson, 38-21.

MICHIGAN AT OHIO STATE: It's just like it was at Utah for Urban Meyer. Go undefeated and can't play for the national title. Ohio State, 32-27.

GEORGIA TECH AT GEORGIA: The Yellow Jackets may have backed their way into the ACC Coastal title, but they have won their last three games while averaging 47.7 points per game. Of course, that was against ACC teams. Georgia, 34-23.

<p>Another Thanksgiving has come and gone, and I'm sure you all heard the same things I did after dinner Thursday.</p><p><i>Burp.</p><p>I need a nap.</p><p>Burp.</p><p>Is there a game on?</p><p>Belch.</p><p>I don't think I had dessert.</p><p>Dad, put your belt back on. </p><p>That's the last time I stuff myself on Thanksgiving.</i></p><p>Hopefully you also heard family members tell you how thankful they are for you and you expressed the same. Thanksgiving isn't about turkey and football. Those are just window dressing to its true meaning.</p><p>I am so thankful for so many things, like a job where I get paid to watch sports and a family that thinks I'm worthy and the freedom to be able to vote even in a state where they can't count. </p><p>Did someone say something about dressing?</p><p>We're all fortunate to be living on this planet, in this country and in this time. And I'm fortunate to have people who are so eager to offer their opinions about what I write. So many of you pointed out that I had a bad week in The Picks last week.</p><p>Again, thank you.</p><p>It was bound to happen. A miserable 4-6 record. For a week, I was able to feel the kind of pain an Auburn fan is dealing with. But we're not firing Dr. Football when the overall record is 86-64. Just trying to get better.</p><p><b>FLORIDA AT FLORIDA STATE:</b> You remember the good old days back when Florida won three in a row at Doak Campbell from 2004-08? Seems like a long time ago. I think Florida's defense is good enough to keep the Gators in the game, but I have no confidence in the offense against that defense. FSU, 24-13.</p><p><b>NOTRE DAME AT USC:</b> Some people think Notre Dame is lucky. Now the Irish play USC with Matt Barkley out. I hear it's also going to snow in Miami during the BCS game, and the refs are going to be chosen from the Vatican. Notre Dame, 24-7.</p><p><b>SOUTH CAROLINA AT CLEMSON:</b> The Head Ball Coach doesn't like Clemson. I think he'll like the Tigers even less. Clemson, 38-21.</p><p><b>MICHIGAN AT OHIO STATE:</b> It's just like it was at Utah for Urban Meyer. Go undefeated and can't play for the national title. Ohio State, 32-27.</p><p><b>GEORGIA TECH AT GEORGIA:</b> The Yellow Jackets may have backed their way into the ACC Coastal title, but they have won their last three games while averaging 47.7 points per game. Of course, that was against ACC teams. Georgia, 34-23.</p><p><b>LSU AT ARKANSAS:</b> Tigers need a win to keep BCS bowl hopes alive. LSU, 28-21.</p><p><b>MISSISSIPPI STATE AT OLE MISS:</b> Pure guess because both teams have their moments. Mississippi State, 27-23.</p><p><b>OREGON AT OREGON STATE:</b> This is still a big game. Really, it is. Oregon, 45-34.</p><p><b>KENTUCKY AT TENNESSEE:</b> Lame duck coach vs. interim coach. Gotta love college football. Tennessee, 34-12.</p><p><b>VANDERBILT AT WAKE FOREST:</b> Never thought I'd write this — Vandy goes for its eighth win. Vanderbilt, 26-19.</p><p><i>Contact Pat Dooley at 352-374-5053 or at dooleyp@gvillesun.com. And follow at Twitter.com/Pat_Dooley.</i></p>